Contradiction with Romans 12:19
Whereas Ecclesiastes 4:1 acknowledges the powerlessness of victims and absence of comforters, Romans 12:19 assures believers that God will exact justice, suggesting divine intervention in oppression.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Contradiction with Psalm 146:7
Ecclesiastes 4:1 focuses on the lack of comfort for the oppressed, while Psalm 146:7 speaks of God executing judgment for the oppressed, indicating a promise of divine support and justice.
Psalm 146:7: Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:
Contradiction with Proverbs 3:34
This verse contrasts Ecclesiastes 4:1 by stating that God gives grace to the humble, implying that divine favor can be a form of comfort against oppression.
Proverbs 3:34: Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
Contradiction with Isaiah 41:10
In contrast to the despair of Ecclesiastes 4:1, Isaiah 41:10 offers reassurance and strength from God, suggesting that the oppressed are never truly without comfort.
Isaiah 41:10: Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Whereas Ecclesiastes 4:1 observes a lack of comfort, this passage claims that God is the "God of all comfort," who comforts us in all our troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4: Blessed [be] God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Contradiction with James 5:4
While Ecclesiastes 4:1 sees no protection for the oppressed, James 5:4 highlights that the cries of the oppressed are heard by the Lord, implying divine justice.
James 5:4: Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. [sabaoth: Heb. hosts]
Contradiction with Psalm 9:9
This verse states that the Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, providing a contradiction to the observation in Ecclesiastes 4:1 of no comfort for them.
Psalm 9:9: The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. [a refuge: Heb. an high place]
Paradox #1
The verse in Ecclesiastes 4:1 could be seen as contradicting the idea of a just and powerful God who intervenes in human affairs. It highlights the oppression and suffering in the world, questioning why a compassionate and omnipotent God allows this to happen without providing comfort or justice to the oppressed. This may seem inconsistent with the belief in a God who is both loving and just.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 4:1 might appear to conflict with teachings about God's justice and compassion. The verse highlights oppression and suffering, which might seem contradictory to the belief in a just and loving God who cares for all. This can raise questions about why suffering exists if God is both powerful and benevolent.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 4:1 talks about the oppression and suffering people face, without anyone to comfort them. A potential contradiction might be the idea that a loving and just God allows for such suffering to occur, seemingly going against the view of a caring deity presented elsewhere in the Bible. This raises questions about the reasons behind suffering and the presence or absence of divine intervention.
Paradox #4
Ecclesiastes 4:1 highlights the suffering of the oppressed and the lack of comfort for them, which could lead to a contradiction with teachings about a just and comforting God. If God is portrayed as just and compassionate elsewhere, it might seem inconsistent that people suffer without comfort. This could create conflict from a moral perspective about God's presence or intervention in human suffering.